Upstate New York is facing serious struggles. Report after report during the summer showed that there were jobs lost upstate and taxpayers have been abandoning the state in droves. For so many years, the state has poured so much investment and attention...

The $1.5 billion Nano Utica project will have a large impact on our region, bringing in many high-tech and support-related jobs. The joint partnership with SUNY Polytechnic Institute and technology-driven companies Advanced Nanotechnology Solutions Incorporated...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) reacts favorably to the governor’s statement today acknowledging the poor implementation of Common Core standards, which parents and educators have been raising concerns over. Blankenbush, who held a public...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling for more business-friendly policies affecting industries within the state. A recent study by the Tax Foundation, called “Location Matters,” compared the impact tax rates have on certain industries...

Many of us here in the North Country and Mohawk Valley rely on personal vehicles for transportation across this beautiful region. Trucks are used to transport goods in and agricultural products out. We rely on gasoline, which plays an important role in...

Last month, I discussed the growing opportunities our region can realize in the craft brewing and winery industries and their positive impact on our economy and agricultural communities. Craft beer brewing has created more than 11,000 jobs and is worth...

A recent report from Comptroller DiNapoli indicates that the state’s economy has improved, but the prosperity isn’t evenly distributed. Much of the recent growth has been concentrated in New York City, while upstate continues to see slow growth. In...

“I have said this over and over: I fully support increasing the quality and rigorousness of our children’s education, but the roll out of Common Core, which was meant to increase standards, was far too rushed. The state did not provide enough support...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is pleased to announce that three local libraries in his area have been awarded aid for construction projects. More than $207,000 in state aid will be invested in four libraries within Blankenbush’s district....

Although school and the Legislature broke for the summer, debate and discussion over our children’s education has not ceased. During the legislative session, we voted that a comprehensive review of the New York State education system must be conducted...

The disparity between what is invested downstate compared to upstate is glaringly obvious and rife with hypocrisy and bad governing practices. Recently, the governor made a major announcement about his plans of rebuilding LaGuardia Airport, an estimated...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) said today that Joyce Mitchell, the Clinton Correctional Facility employee who helped violent murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat escape prison, being able to keep her public pension is a prime example...

This is really a wonderful area. We’re surrounded by a beautiful countryside, close to many outdoor sports opportunities, and are a hub of New York’s agricultural industry. People are beginning to take notice of our part of the state, and locals are...

“I am encouraged that the Army is sparing Ft. Drum from major cuts. It highlights how our community banded together with leadership, including Maj. Gen. Bannister, Congresswoman Stefanik, and my state legislative colleagues, to make the case that Ft....

Fighting for better schools in our community isn’t just something we must do for our kids; it’s something we must do for all of us to help keep our communities and economy vibrant. A recent article in the Watertown Daily Times reported that the military...

This legislative session had many ups and downs, creating a situation where important bills were pushed through at the very end. Throughout the last few weeks, many local and school officials were left sitting on the edges of their seats wondering if...

“This year has been difficult, with many transitions and changes, but I have always kept my focus on the people’s priorities – which are keeping our upstate communities affordable for families and providing better employment and business opportunities...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) helped pass the New York Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (A.7767-B). The legislation authorizes New York State to establish savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families...

I’ve been saying this for years, but it bears repeating – property tax relief and mandate relief go hand-in-hand. Lasting property tax relief can only be sustainable if it is combined with unfunded mandate relief. The numbers are in; the property...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) voted for a version of pension forfeiture legislation that would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from elected officials convicted of felonies related to their official duties. Blankenbush said that, although...